Troops of the Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed a suspected terrorist lieutenant and recovered a cache of weapons and motorcycles during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, conducted on August 29, 2026, was carried out by troops of Sector 2 who advanced into suspected terrorist hideouts in the area as part of ongoing efforts to weaken criminal networks operating across the region.
The troops reportedly encountered armed terrorists who engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
Danja said the troops deployed superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their positions and flee.
He disclosed that during the subsequent search of the area, the troops confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as Smally, said to be a lieutenant to a notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
According to the military spokesman, the operation also led to the recovery of three machine guns, two AK 47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition.
He added that six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists were also seized during the operation.
Danja said the offensive formed part of the ongoing military campaign by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to maintain pressure on terrorist groups and degrade their operational capabilities within the Joint Operations Area.
He said the troops remained committed to preventing terrorists from freely operating in the affected communities while creating the necessary conditions for the restoration of peace and security.
“Troops remain resolute in taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security across affected communities,” he stated.